Louver-type window blind



y 1964 c. M. KEHRER ETAL 3,134,428

LOWER-TYPE WINDOW BLIND 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 18, 1960 m T Wm MW M. a M m ATTORNEYS May 26, 1964 c. M. KEHRER ETAL 3,134,428

LOWER-TYPE wmnow BLIND Filed Jan. 18, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR$ CHARLES M KEHAER CHRIS SIG'ARDSON J1?- AALPH M. POE

BY QM MQM ATTORNEYS May 26, 1964 c. M. KEHRER ETAL 3,134,423

LOUVER-TYPE WINDOW BLIND Filed Jan. 18, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS CHARLES N. IKE/IRE? (HR/5' .SYGARDSO V JR RALPH M POE ATroiiwEYs United States Patent 3,134,428 LOUVER-TYPE WINDGW BLIND Charles M. Kehrer, Chris Sigardson, Jr., and Ralph M. Poe, Grand Rapids, Mich, assignors to Edgar K. Grr, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Filed Jan. 18, 1960, Ser. No. 3,106 13 Claims. (Cl. 160-172) This invention relates to a louver-type window blind. More particularly, this invention relates to a louver-type window blind wherein the louvers may be simultaneously rotated about their longitudinal axis and be traversed across the window opening covered by the blind.

Many forms of louver-type window blinds are presently in existence. These blinds presently in existence pro vide various means for rotating the louvers about their longitudinal axis and for traversing them across a window opening. However, these blinds are characterized by the exhibition of many inherent faults and failures. Window blinds already known to the art utilize a pair of support members having means for oppositely mounting the members on a window frame. Some of these structures include one or a pair of parallel motion transmitting shafts journaled on each of the support members, one of the shafts usually being threaded. A plurality of louver carrying elements are slidable along the respective support members. The louver supporting elements include a worm gear which is slidably keyed around the unthreaded shaft, the worm gear adapted to rotate the louvers about their longitudinal axes. The louver carrying elements also envelop the threaded shaft and utilize an internal gear engaging the threaded shaft which it envelops. Upon rotation of these shafts, the

louvers may be rotated about their longitudinal axis or traversed across the window opening. The present invention discloses a louver-type window blind constituting a vast improvement over structures of this type.

One of the major difficulties encountered when using structures presently in existence, for example such as that described above, is the fact that the motion transmitting shafts are merely journaled in the support members and depend on the louver supporting elements which envelop them for support along their length. However, when the louver supporting elements are all traversed to one side, the shafts are left unsupported along their'length and are consequently weakened and damaged because of sagging created by their own weight. Further, when the louver supporting elements are moved along these sagging rods, friction is created since the elements move in a straight line along the support members, taking the sag out of the shafts. The rods are thus worn by this friction and the louvers cannot traverse smoothly. This is a known problem to the art and attempts to solve the problem of sagging motion transmitting shafts have been unsuccessful up to the present time.

Another inherent problem in such structures is the complexity of the louver supporting elements. Such elements must include a pair of openings therein adapted to slidably envelop the two shafts. They must include a worm gear which is mounted within the element in such a manner so as to rotate with one of the shafts, together with a gear means meshing the worm for rotating the louvers. They must include at least one internal gear means for engagement with the other shaft at the point where it envelops the other shaft. They must be precision made for each part to carry out its complicated mechanical function.

Still another distinct disadvantage of structures presently in existence is the complicated methods provided to properly respace the louvers after they have been traversed across the window opening. Many complicated structures such as links, tapes, etc., are used to bring the "ice louvers back to their proper position when they are redrawn to cover the entire window. These links, etc., are cumbersome, expensive and often faulty in operation. Further, the complexity of moving parts is such that more force is required to both traverse the louvers and operate the spacing mechanism.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a louver-type window blind which is greatly simplified in construction.

Another object of this invention is to provide such a window blind having a motion transmitting rod for rotating the louvers about their longitudinal axis or a motion transmitting rod for traversing the louvers, or both, the motion transmitting rods being supported along their entire length.

Another object of this invention is to provide a louver-type window blind having a pair of support members mounted on opposite sides of a window opening, the support members adapted to support motion transmitting rods along their entire length.

Another object of this invention is to provide a window blind of the type described which includes an improved, simplified means for respacing the louvers after they have been traversed.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved means for rotating the louvers of such a window blind about their longitudinal axis.

' An additional object of this invention is to provide a window blind of the type described having improved and simplified louver carriers.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a louver-type blind of the type described which due to its simplified construction is longer lasting and more positive in function. a

These and other objects of this invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art of louver-type window blinds upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the louver-type window blind comprising this invention, mounted in a window frame;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational view of the support member shown in FIG. 1 mounted at the top of the window, certain parts thereof being broken away to better show the invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top view of the support member mounted in the bottom of the window, certain parts thereof being'broken away and certain parts shown in phantom to better show the invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged elevational view of the support member mounted in the bottom of the window, certain parts thereof being broken away and certain parts shown in phantom to better show the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along the plane V-V of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an end view of one of the support members;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of one of the carrier housings comprising a part of'this invention and certain parts associated therewith;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the carrier housing shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the carrier housing shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the carrier housing, looking from the left as it is shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is an end view of the carrier housing, looking from the right as it is shown in FIG. 7; I

FIG. 12 is an enlarged, exploded, perspective. view of the parts comprising the clutch apparatus utilized in this invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the assembled carrier, including the clutch apparatus mounted therein;

. porting members.

FIG. 14 shows the structure for rotation of the motion transmitting rods utilized in this invention; and

FIG. 15 shows the traversing rod utilized in this invention. a

' Briefly, this invention relates to a louver-type window blind including a pair of elongated and generally parallel supporting members adapted for mounting on opposite sides of a window opening. A helically threaded motion transmitting rod is positioned adjacent each of these sup- A plurality of spaced notches are cut in the threaded rod throughout its length and a plurality of carriers are mounted within the supporting members, slidable therealong. Each of the carriers includes a dog which engages the threaded rod.. A louver is attached between a pair of opposed carriers. An additional dog is provided on at least one of the carriers whereby rotation of the threaded rod in one direction moves that carrierhaving two dogs thereon lengthwise of the rod, forcing the other carriers and louvers mounted thereon past the notches. Rotation of the threaded rod in the other direction moves the carriers in the reverse direction, the carriers having only one dog thereon stopping at succ'essive notches.

Another aspect of this invention is concerned with a particular type of supporting member which includes an elongated opening in its side lying away from the side of the windowopening to which it is mounted. The opening extends throughout the length of the support member and includes means therein along one or both sides of the opening for supporting the motion transmitting rod or rods throughout their length along one side or sides of the opening. More specifically, a cavity is formed within each of the support members extending throughout the length thereof along each side of the opening. These cavities rotatably receive and support the motion transmitting rods throughout their. length and expose the rods throughout their length to the interior of the support member, whereby the carriers may slidably contact them.

Another aspect of this invention is theparticular structure of the carriers mounted within the support members. These carriers do not envelop the motion transmitting rods.

other rod. The rod engaged by this gear means has grooves extending parallel with its longitudinal axis, the

Rather, these carriers merely include a gear means slidably engaging one of the rods and a dog engaging the rotation of the grooved rod rotates both the first and the second gear, thereby simultaneously rotating the louvers secured to each second gear.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, FIG. 1

shows the window blind 1 comprising this invention mounted'within a window casing 2 haw'ng a top 3 and a bottom 4. A pair of elongated, generally parallel support members and 10a aremounted at the bottom 4 and top 3 respectively of the window casing 2 by means of the clips 5." A plurality of louvers 7 extend between the support members 10 and 10a, each louver connected between an opposed pair of carriers C mounted within the support members (FIGSQ2-4). It should be noted that the top support member 10a and the bottom support member 10 are of identical construction. They are positioned in a manner such that one is a mirror image of the other.

The support members 10 and 10a (FIGS. 3, 4 and 6) are preferably a one-piece, elongated member having an elongated slit of opening 11 in the side 12 thereof which lies away from the'side 13, which is positioned adjacent the window casing. At the sides 14 of each support member 10 a pair of grooves 15 are provided to receive the clips 5 which are secured to the window casing 2, thereby securing the support member to the window casing. Along the sides of the elongated opening 11, flanges 16 and 17 are formed, these flanges providing support for the carriers C mounted in the interior of the support member, these carriers beingrnore fully described hereinafter. A pair of cavities 20 and 21 are formed Within the support member, the cavities positioned adjacent each side 14 and extending longitudinally of the support member along each side of the opening 11. These cavities are exposed to the interior of the support member 10 through the elongated slots 22 and 23, respectively, inthe cricumference of the cavities. of the slot 22 of cavity 20 extends into the interior of the support member.

A pair of elongated motion transmitting rods and are mounted within the cavities 20 and 21 respectively longitudinally thereof and is exposed to the interior of the support member through the slot 22. Rod 35 is rotatably positioned with cavity 21 and is helically threaded throughout its length. A plurality of notches 36 are spaced along the length of the helically threaded rod 35 (FIG. 15). These notches arepositioned to correspond .With the positioning of the louvers extending between the support members 10 and 100, the purposes of these notches being more fully described hereinafter. that the support members 10 provide support for the motion transmitting rods 30 and 35 throughout their entire length, it being impossible for them to be bent since they are enveloped and supported throughout their length by the cavities 20 and 21.

Mounted Within each support member are a plurality of carriers C. ,Each carrier 0 includes a carrier housing 40 having a top 41, 'a front wall 42, a back wall 43, side wall 44 and a side wall 45 (FIGS. 7-11 and 13). The carriers C are slidably inserted into the interior of each support member, the top 41 of the carrier housing 40 lying adjacent the opening 11 of the support member and engaging flanges 16 and 17 along the sides of the opening 11 (FIG. 5). The side wall 44 of each carrier housing 40 abuts and faces the slot 22 in cavity 20. Side wall 44 includes a curved indentation 48 extending throughout its length and a vertical slot 49 positioned near the back wall 43 of the carrier housing 40 (FIG. 10), A flange 50 extends along the bottom of side wall 44. The back Wall 43 of the carrier housing 40 includes a horizontal bearing slot 52 extending to and connecting with the vertical slot 49 in side wall 44 (FIG. 7). A gear 54 having teeth 55 and including a bearing shaft 56 and bearing head 57 is rotatably mounted in the back wall 43; The bearing shaft 56 of gear 54 slides into the hearing slot 52 in the back wall 43, the bearing head 57 lying externally of this wall and the portion including teeth 55 lying on the interior of the carrier housing, the teeth 55 protruding from the vertical slot 49 (FIG. 5). It will be noted from FIG. 5 that the teeth 55 mesh with the grooves 31 in the rod 30. The carrier housing 40 is slidable along the rod 30 since the teeth 55 of gear 54 slide along the grooves 31. However, uponrotation of the rod 30, the gear 54 will also be rotated, the purpose of which will be explained hereinafter.

An opening 60 is provided in the top 41 of carrier-housing 40 (FIG. 8). A hollow pinion gear 61 having ayeck portion 62 and spherical teeth 63 is inserted through the open bottom of the carrier housing 40, the neck portion elextending through the opening 60 in the top 41 thereof (FIGS. 5 and 13). The teeth' 63 of pinion gear 61 mesh with the teeth 55 of the gear 54 described herein-.

before. It will be noted that the gear 54 holds the pinion gear 61 in place, the gear 54 in turn being held in'place by the rod 3%).

Extending from side 45 of each carrier housing 40 is a dog 68. The dog 68 (FIG. 5) extends through the slot 23 into the cavity 21, engaging the helically threaded rod 35. The lead carrier-C (FIG. 3) includes an additional A lip 24 along one edge It will be noted.

dog 70, the purpose of which will be more fully explained hereinafter.

The louvers 7 are secured between a pair of opposed carriers C as follows. The ends of each louver 7 are provided with attachment clips 8. The attachment clips 8 are in turn secured to the clutch apparatus 75, the parts thereof being shown in exploded view in FIG. 12 and assembled together in FIG. 13. Clutch apparatus 75 includes a coil spring 76, a T-shaped clutch pin 78 and a clutch member 82. The clutch member 82 includes a channel 83 for receiving a clip 8. Below the channel 83 is a cup-shaped recess 84 which includes indentations 85 in its side spaced approximately 90 apart. A slit 86 is positioned in the top of the channel 83 and a slit 87 is positioned in the bottom of the cup-shaped recess 83. The T-shaped clutch pin 78 includes bearing shoulders 79 and an aperture 80 near its lower end. Turning specifically to FIG. 13, it will be noted that the clutch pin 78 is inserted through the slit 36 in the top of the channel 83 and through the slit 87 in the bottom of the cup-shaped recess, the bearing shoulders 79 of the clutch pin bearing against the sides of the cup-shaped recess 84 and resting in a pair of opposite indentations 85. The cup-shaped recess 84 rests within and bears against the neck portion 62 of pinion gear 61 which extends through the opening 60 in the top 41 of the carrier housing 40. The spring 76 is inserted through the open bottom of the carrier housing 40, enveloping the lower portion of the clutch pin 78 and bearing against the pinion gear 61. The spring 76 is compressed and the end 77 thereof is inserted into the aperture 80 of the clutch pin 78. It will be noted that the clutch member 82 is normally prevented from rotation with respect to the pinion gear 61 due to the force exerted by the compressed coil spring 76. However, when an out of the ordinary excessive force or pressure is applied to one of the louvers 7, the clutch member 82 together with a louver 7 may be rotated with respect to the pinion gear 61, the cup-shaped recess 84 turning 90 with respect to the bearing shoulders 79 of the clutch pin, the bearing shoulders then resting in the other pair of indentations 85. Thus, this clutch apparatus 75 operates to both secure the louvers 7 between an opposed pair of carriers C and to provide for twisting of the louvers without breakage when abnormal forces are applied to the louvers. However, the spring 76 exerts suflicient pressure so that more than normal twisting is needed to rotate the louvers in this manner.

Mounted on one end of the rod 36 is a sprocket wheel 32 (FTGS. 2-4 and 14). Mounted on the corresponding end of rod 35 is another sprocket wheel 37. The sprocket wheels 32 and 37 lie exteriorly of each support member 10. The sprocket wheels and consequently the rods 30 and 35 are held in position within the support members by means of the chain guard 38, which is shaped to receive the sprockets and position them, being secured to a support member by means of screws 39. A bead chain 90 is connected between the sprocket Wheels 32, whereby movement of the chain 90 rotates sprockets 32 and in turn rotates the rods 30. A bead chain 91 is connected between the sprocket wheels 37, whereby movement of bead chain 91 rotates sprocket wheels 37, in turn rotating rods 35.

Assembly The louver-type window blind comprising this invention is assembled as follows. An elongated motion transmitting rod 39, having parallel grooves 31 therein is inserted into the cavity 20 of each support member 10 and 10a. It should be noted that since the support member 10 will be mounted at the bottom 4 of window casing 2 and the support member 1% will be mounted on the top 3 thereof, the support members will actually be mirror imaged one upon the other. Therefore, although the support members are identical in their fabrication, the rods 39 are inserted therein from opposite ends of the support members 10 and 10a. By so doing, the sprocket wheels 32 secured to the ends of each rod 30 will be positioned one above the other when the support members are mounted in the window casing. The helically threaded rods 35 are inserted into the cavities 21 of the support members, again inserted from opposite directions so that the sprocket wheels 37 secured to the end of each rod will lie one above the other when mounted in the window casing.

A plurality of carrier assemblies C are inserted into each support member, each carrier assembly C being assembled as follows. The hollow pinion gear 61 is inserted through the bottom of the carrier housing 40, the neck portion 62 of the pinion gear extending through the opening 60 in the top 41 of the carrier housing 40 (FIG. 13). The clutch member 82 of clutch apparatus 75 is positioned adjacent the neck portion 62 of pinion gear 61, the cupshaped recess 84 extending into the neck portion 62. The clutch pin 78 is then inserted down through the slit 86 in the top of the channel 83, the lower portion of the clutch pin extending through the slit 87 in the bottom of the cup-shaped recess 84, the bearing shoulders 79 of the clutch pin resting in a pair of opposed indentations 85 therein. The coil spring 76 is inserted through the bottom of the carrier housing 40, enveloping the lower portion of the clutch pin 78. The spring is compressed and the end 77 thereof is inserted into the aperture 80 in the lower portion of the clutch pin 78. The coil spring 76 is under considerable compression, preventing the clutch member 82 from rotating with respect to the pinion gear 61, although excessive force applied to individual louvers will allow rotation before the louvers break. The bearing shaft 56 of gear 54 is next inserted into the slot 52 in the back Wall 43 of the carrier housing 40 (FIG. 7). The teeth 55 of the gear 54 engage the teeth 63 of pinion gear 61 interiorly of the carrier housing 40 (FIGS. 5 and 13), the bearing head 57 lying exteriorly of the carrier housing and positioning the gear 54. When thus assembled, a plurality of carriers C are slidably inserted into the support members 10 and 10a.

The assembled carriers C are inserted into the interior of each support member as follows. The top 41 of each carrier housing 40 is positioned adjacent the flanges 16 and 17 extending along the sides of the opening 11, the neck portions 62 of the pinion gear 61 extending through the opening 11. The side walls 44 of the carrier housings 40 are positioned adjacent the cavity 20, and the teeth 55 of gear 54 within the carrier housing 40 mesh with the grooves 31 in rod 30 Within the cavity 20 through the slot 22. The dog 68 extending from side wall 45 of carrier housing 40 extends through the slot 23 and into the cavity 21, thereby engaging the helically threaded rod 35 within the cavity 21. The lead carrier C is provided with an additional dog 70, the purpose of which will be explained hereinafter.

The carriers C in the top support member 10a are slidably supported therein by the engagement of gears 54 and dogs 68 with the motion transmitting rods 30 and 35. Further, the top 41 of each carrier C rests against and ,slides along the flanges 16 and 17 of support member 10a.

The flange 50 along the bottom of side 44 of each carrier rests against and slides along the lip 24 extending from an edge of slot 22 exposing the rod 30 to the interior of the support member. When sliding along the rod 30, the carriers do not engage it other than through gear 54 because of the curved indentation 48 in the side 44 of the carriers. Thus, the carriers C are firmly supported within the support member 10a, the carriers being smoothly slidable therein with a minimum of friction created. As shown in FIG. 5, the carriers Care also firmly supported within and smoothly slidable along the support member 16 at the bottom of the window casing.

The chain guards 38 are mounted on one end of each support member 10 by means of the screws 39. The support member 10a is then mounted on the top 3 of window casing 2 and the support member 10 is mounted on the bottom 4 of window casing 2, the support members being positioned so that one is a mirror image of the other. Bead chain 90 is threaded around the sprocket wheels 32, bead-chain 90 being twisted so that pinion gears 61 both rotate in the same direction. Bead chain 7 91 is threaded on sprocket wheels 37 so that the helically threaded rods 35 may be rotated.

Louvers 7 are then attached between a pair of opposed carriers 7 by means of the attachment clips 8 extending through the channel 83 in theclutch member 82 of clutch apparatus 75. With these simple steps, the louver-type window blind comprising this invention is completely assembled.

Operation The assembled window blind operates as follows. Upon manual movement of the bead chain 99, the grooved rod 30 in the upper and lower support members will be rotated (FIG. 5). Upon rotation of the rods 30, the gears 54 will be rotated by means of its teeth 55 extending into the grooves 31 of the rods 30. This in turn rotates the pinion gears 61, the teeth 63 thereof 7 meshing with the teeth 55 of gear 54. This of course 'in turn simultaneously rotates all of the louvers 7 about theirlongitudinal axis, it being possible to rotate the louvers 7 through approximately 180.

Upon manual movement of the bead chain 91, the helically threaded rods 35 are rotated, causing the carriers in both support members to react as follows. Upon commencing the rotation of these rods in one direction, the lead carriers C will commence to traverse in one direction across the window opening (FIGS. 3 and 4), the othercarriers remaining stationary since the dogs 68 thereon rest within their respective notches 36 of the helically threaded rod 35, the notches 36 spacing and The lead carriers C then engage the next carriers C as one continues to rotate the rods 35 by means of bead chain 91. Upon engagement with the carriers C the lead carriers C having two dogs 68 and 70 thereon force the dog 68 on each of the second carriers C out of its notch 36. Thus, both carriers C and C traverse further across the window opening as the dogs move along the helically threaded rods 35. Upon continued rotation of these rods, carriers C engage the next adjacent carrier and move its dog 68 out of another notch 36, allowing it to also travel along its rod 35. Thus, by continued ro- 8 that the principles of this invention can also be applied to a blind which is constructed such that half of the louvers therein traverse to each side of the window opening, the thread of thehelical rod merely being reversed.

' plied by the coil springs 76 within the carriers, which positioning the louvers 7 across the window opening.

bind the clutch members 82 tightly against the pinion gears 61. However, excessive pressures applied to the louvers such as occur when someone accidentally bumps against them, will not harm the louvers since the clutch pin 73 will allow the cup-shaped recess 84 to rotate under such pressure. cidentally harmed although they are normally always properly positioned;

It will be noted that a louver-type window blind has been provided which is greatly simplified in construction when compared with structures presently in existence.

Motion transmitting rods have been provided for both.

simultaneous rotation of the louvers about their longituciinal axis and for traversing the louvers across the window opening. The support members disclosed by this invention are adapted to supportthese motion transmitting rods along their entire length. Consequently, the serious problems created due to such'motion transmitting rods sagging under their own weight when the louvers are traversed to one side of a window opening no longer exist. Further, since these motion transmitting rods do not sag under their own weight, one is able to traverse the louvers much more smoothly and easily. In this respect, it will be noted that this invention has also provided an improved means for respacing the louvers after they have been traversed across a window opening.

tation of the'rods 35 each successive carrier C is moved from its notch 36 whereby it traverses along the rods 35 *by itself untilall of the carriers are positioned adjacent one another at one side of the window opening. The front wall 42 of each carrier housing 40 has an opening 42a therein, which receives the bearing head 57. of the gear 54 of the carrier C in front of it (FIG. 13). Therefore, the'carriers C may be snugly positioned one against the other, allowing a complete traversing of the louvers (FIG. 3

When it is desired to traverse the louvers 7 in the other direction, one moves the bead chain 91 in the reverse direction. All of the carriers C will begin to move simultaneously along the rods 35 in the reverse direction. Since all of the carriers C have at least one dog 68 thereon, the intermediate carriers will be forced across the spaced notches 36 in rods 35 until they all drop off in their respective spaced positions. It will be noted that for thernost part all of the carriers move along the rods 35 by themselves, an individual carrier only needing help when its dog 68 engages a notch 36 in the rods 35. As the rods 35 are continuously rotated in this reverse direction, the carriers will automatically be perfectly spaced one from the other as they drop in their respective notches.

It should be specifically noted that although the drawings show all of the louvers adapted to betraversed to one side of the window opening, it is also possible to provide for the traversing of half of the louvers to each side of the window opening. Itis to be specifically understood The means provided is greatly simplified, eliminating the necessity for complicated links, tapes, etc. Further, this means also contributes to the ease and smoothness one experiences when traversing the louvers of the window blind of this invention.

The means provided for simultaneously rotating the louvers of this window blind about their longitudinal axis is also greatly improved. The means is much simpler in construction and smoother in operation. Consequently, the carriers supporting and positioning the louvers arealso simplified in construction, providing smoother and more efficient operation of the window blind. Such a blind is longer lasting, more positive in its functioning and relatively trouble free when compared with structures presently in existence.

While only one embodiment of the louver-type window a blind comprising this invention has been shown and described, it may be possible to utilize certain other embodiments for practicing this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Such other embodiments are to be included within the spirit and scope of this invention unless the following claims expressly state otherwise.

We claim:

1. A louver-type window blind, comprising: a pair of elongated and generally parallel support members mounted on opposite sides of a window opening, each of said Consequently, the louvers cannot be acthe interior of said support member; a plurality of carriers slidably supported and positioned within each of said support members, each of said carriers including motion transmitting means engaging said rod and being exposed to said opening; and a louver operably connected to each of said carriers whereby rotation of said rods moves said carriers and said louvers lengthwise of said support members.

2. A louver-type window blind, comprising: a pair of elongated and generally parallel support members mounted on opposite sides of a window opening, each of said support members including an elongated opening in the side lying away from the side of the window opening to which it is mounted, said opening extending through the length of said support member; an elongated rod, said rod being helically threaded throughout its length, positioned within each .of said support members; a cavity formed within each of said support members extending throughout the length of said support member at one side of said opening, the walls defining said cavity rotatably receiving and supporting said rod throughout its length and exposing said rod throughout its length to the interior of said support member; a plurality of carriers slidably supported and positioned within each of said support members, at least one of said carriers including a dog engaging said helically threaded rod and being exposed to said opening; a louver connected to each of said carriers whereby rotation of said rods moves said one carrier, forcing said other carriers and said louvers lengthwise of said support members.

3. A louver-type window blind, comprising: a pair of elongated and generally parallel support members mounted on opposite sides of a window opening, each of said support members including an elongated opening in the side lying away from the side of the window opening to which it is mounted, said opening extending throughout the length of said support member; an elongated rod, said rod being helically threaded and having spaced notches throughout its length, positioned within each of said support members; a cavity formed Within each of said support members extending throughout the length of said support member at one side of said opening, the walls defining said cavity rotatably receiving and supporting said rod throughout its length and exposing said rod throughout its length to the interior of said support member; a plurality of carriers slidably supported and positioned within each of said support members, each of said carriers including a dog engaging said rod and being exposed to said opening; a louver connected to each of said carriers; and an additional dog on at least one of said carriers whereby rotation of said rods in one direction moves said carrier having two dogs thereon lengthwise of said support members forcing said other carriers and said louvers past said notches and rotation of said rods in the other direction moves said carriers and said louvers in the reverse direction, each carrier having only one dog stopping at successive ones of said notches.

4. A louver-type window blind, comprising: a pair of elongated and generally parallel support members mounted on opposite sides of a window opening, each of said support members including an elongated opening in the side lying away from the side of the window opening to which it is mounted, said opening extending throughout the length of said support member; an elongated motion transmitting rod positioned Within each of said supporting members; a cavity formed within each of said support members extending throughout the length of said support member at one side of said opening, the walls defining said cavity rotatably receiving and supporting said rod throughout its length and exposing said rod throughout its length to the interior of said support member; a plurality of carriers supported and positioned within each of said support members, each of said carriers including motion transmitting means engaging with said rod and being exposed to said opening; and a louver operably connected 10 to said motion transmitting means of each of said carriers whereby rotation of said rods simultaneously rotates said louvers.

5. A louver-type window blind, comprising: a pair of elongated and generally parallel support members mounted on opposite sides of a window opening, each of said support members including an elongated opening in the side lying away from the side of the window opening to which it is mounted, said opening extending throughout the length of said support member; an elongated rod having parallel grooves extending lengthwise thereof positioned within each of said support members; a cavity formed within each of said support members extending throughout the length of said support members at one side of said opening, the walls defining said cavity rotatably receiving and supporting said rod throughout its length and exposing said rod throughout its length to the interior of said support member; a plurality of carriers supported and positioned within each of said support members, each of said carriers including a first gear meshing with said grooves in said rod and a second gear meshing with said first gear and being exposed to said opening; and a louver connected to said second gear of each of said carriers whereby rotation of said rods rotates said first and second gears and simultaneously rotates said louvers.

6. A louver-type window blind, comprising; a pair of elongated and generally parallel support members mounted on opposite sides of a window opening, each of said support members including an elongated opening in the side lying away from the side of the window opening to which it is mounted, said opening extending throughout the length of said support member; an elongated rod having parallel grooves extending lengthwise thereof positioned within each of said support members; a cavity formed within each of said support members extending throughout the length of said support members at one side of said opening, the Walls defining said cavity rotatably receiving and supporting said rod throughout its length and exposing said rod throughout its length to the interior of said support member; a plurality of carriers supported and positioned within each of said support members, each of said carriers including a spur gear rotatably mounted in one end thereof and meshing with said grooves of said rod, a pinion gear rotatably mounted therein and meshing with said spur gear and being exposed to said opening; and a louver connected to each of said pinion gears whereby rotation of said rods causes rotation of said spur gears and said pinion gears and simultaneously rotates said louvers.

7. A louver-type window blind, comprising: a pair of elongated and generally parallel support members mounted on opposite sides of a window opening, each of said support members including an elongated opening in the side lying away from the side of the window opening to which it is mounted, said opening extending throughout the length of said support member; a pair of elongated I rods, one of said rods having parallel grooves extending lengthwise thereof and the other of said rods being helically threaded throughout its length; means within each of said support members along each side of said opening for supporting one of said rods throughout its length along each side of said opening; a plurality of carriers slidably supported and positioned within each of said support members, each of said carriers including gear means meshing with said one rod and at least one of said carriers having a dog engaging said other rod; a louver operably connected to said gear means whereby rotation of said one rod simultaneously rotates said louvers and rotation of said other rod moves said one carrier, forcing said other carriers and said louvers lengthwise of said support members.

8. A louver-type window blind, comprising: a pair of elongated and generally parallel support members mounted on opposite sides of a window opening, each of said support members including an elongated opening in the 1 1 side lying away from the side of the window opening to which it is mounted, said opening extending throughout the length of said support member; a pair of elongated rods, one of said rods having parallel grooves extending lengthwise thereof and the other of -said rods being helically threaded and having spaced notches throughout its length; a pair of cavities formed within each of said support mernbersextending throughout the length of said support member at each side of said opening, the walls defining said cavities rotatably receiving and supporting. said rods throughout their length and exposing said rods throughout their length to the interior of said support member; a plurality of carriers slidably supported and positioned within each of said support members, each of said carriers including gear means meshing with said,

one rod and a dog engaging said otherrrod; a louver operably connected to said gear means whereby rotation of said rods simultaneously rotates said louvers; and an additional dog on at least one of said carriers whereby rotation of said other rods in one direction moves said carrier having two dogs thereon lengthwise of said support members forcing said other carriers and said louvers past said 4 notches and rotation of said other rods in the other direc-,

tion moves said carriers and said'louvers in the reverse direction, each carrier having only one dog stopping at successive ones of said notches.

79. A louver-type window blind as defined in claim 8, said'gear means including a spur gear rotatably mounted in one end of each of said carriers and meshing with said grooves of said one rod, a pinion gear rotatably mounted in said carriers and meshing with said spur gear, said pinion gear having a portion extending through said opening in said support member receiving one of 7 said louvers.

10. A louver-type window blind, comprising: an elongated supporting member mounted on a side of a window opening; a' helically threaded motion transmitting rod journaled in said supporting member; a plurality of spaced notches cut in said threaded rod throughout its length; a plurality of carriers slidable along said member; each of said carriers including a dog engaging said threaded rod; a louver secured to each of said carriers; and an additional dog on at least one of said carriers whereby rotation of said threaded rod in one direction moves said one carrier lengthwise of saidrod, forcing said other carriers and said louvers past said 'notches'and rotation of said threaded rod in the other direction moves said carriers in the reverse direction,- said carriers having only one dog stopping at successive ones of said notches.

11. A louver-type window blind, comprising: a pair of elongated and generally parallel support members mounted on opposite sides of a window opening; an-elongated motion transmitting rod having parallel grooves extending lengthwise thereof journaled within each of said supporting members; a plurality of carriers supported and positioned within each of said support members, each of mounted at the top of a window opening; a helicallythreaded motion transmitting rod journaled in said supporting member; a plurality of spaced notches cut insaid threaded rod throughout its length; a plurality of carriers slidable along said member; each of said carriers including a dog engaging said threaded rod; and an additional dog on at least one of said carriers whereby rotation of said threaded rod in one direction moves said one carrier lengthwise of said rod, forcing said other carriers past said notches and rotation of said threaded rod in the other direction moves said carriers in the reverse direction, said carriers having only one dog stopping at successive ones of said notches. 7

Cudah Apr. 26, 1910 2,848,045 Bennett Aug. 19, 1958 2,884,182 Bonnemann Apr. 21, 1959 

1. A LOUVER-TYPE WINDOW BLIND, COMPRISING: A PAIR OF ELONGATED AND GENERALLY PARALLEL SUPPORT MEMBERS MOUNTED ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF A WINDOW OPENING, EACH OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBERS INCLUDING AN ELONGATED OPENING IN THE SIDE LYING AWAY FROM THE SIDE OF THE WINDOW OPENING TO WHICH IT IS MOUNTED, SAID OPENING EXTENDING THROUGHOUT THE LENGTH OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBER; A MOTION TRANSMITTING ROD POSITIONED WITHIN EACH OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBERS; A CAVITY FORMED WITHIN EACH OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBERS EXTENDING THROUGHOUT THE LENGTH OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBER AT ONE SIDE OF SAID OPENING, THE WALLS DEFINING SAID CAVITY ROTATABLY RECEIVING AND SUPPORTING SAID ROD THROUGHOUT ITS LENGTH AND EXPOSING SAID ROD THROUGHOUT ITS LENGTH TO THE INTERIOR OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBER; A PLURALITY OF CARRIERS SLIDABLY SUPPORTED AND POSITIONED WITHIN EACH OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBERS, EACH OF SAID CARRIERS INCLUDING MOTION TRANSMITTING MEANS ENGAGING SAID ROD AND BEING EXPOSED TO SAID OPENING; AND A LOUVER OPERABLY CONNECTED TO EACH OF SAID CARRIERS WHEREBY ROTATION OF SAID RODS MOVES SAID CARRIERS AND SAID LOUVERS LENGTHWISE OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBERS. 